Chapter 40: Swan

The pale gold light receded as William grinned. “Oh, please give my father’s regards to Lady Valeria. Thanks to her father, he’ll soon be the president of the chamber of commerce.”

With that, William moved past him, leaving a puzzled Fang behind.

What did he mean? The competition was sponsored by the chamber of commerce, how did William’s father relate with the matter between Fang and Valeria?

--- --- ---

Fang’s report was handed in, and his tasks as a prefect was complete for the weekend. Since it was a holiday, he headed on the roads towards the magic academy to pick up Mii.

Mii had left the woman’s dormitory already, waiting at the gates eagerly. She looked forward to the weekend – it was when she was the happiest, because after entering the academy, she didn’t get many chances to see Fang.

By her side was her roommate, a gaudy girl named Tracy. The gates were crowded, as it wasn’t uncommon for students to grab a ride back into the city.

Tracy lived with Mii for a while, so she naturally knew who Mii was waiting. She muttered, “I say, Mii, you and that guy don’t really fit at all. He looks ordinary, and I heard from Garden College that he’s in the lowest, worst class there is. Why don’t you look further? Here, we have noble, excellent magicians who are far superior to those filthy fighters, and you’re so beautiful; you can easily grab whoever you want. Plus, even if you were looking for someone from Garden College, there’s an endless line of people more handsome than that guy. You can pick a better boyfriend, why don’t you?”

Mii frowned. “Tracy, Fang is the best for me, I won’t take anyone else!”

“I’m just advising you because he’s like an ugly duckling, while you’re a swan…” She gradually trailed off as Mii stared at her angrily. “Okay, okay, for you, Fang’s the best of men in this world, I got it!”

“That’s right,” Mii firmly said, “and also, he’s not weak at all, one day, Fang will be the strongest in Garden College!”

She believed in Fang. For the majority of her life, Fang had been looked down as waste, but after waking from that coma, he became a genius. His power went up by leaps and bounds, and his assistance to Mii in helping her understand magic only solidified her belief that he would soar to be the best.

Tracy scoffed at her. “Come on, he’s in the lowest class of all the students, I think you’re dreaming!”

As she was about to respond, her face loosened and a sweet smile appeared. Seeing her expression, Tracy knew what happened.

From a short distance away, Fang was getting closer.

Pleased to see him, Mii jumped forwards and hugged Fang’s arm. “Fang, you’re here!”

“Sorry, something came up today so I was a little late Mii, hope you weren’t waiting too long.”

Mii shook her head. “It’s okay, I just arrived from the dormitory shortly.”

He took her hand, and they started to walk from the gates, attracting numerous jealous stares.

In the magic academy, there were very few talented magic users like Mii, and her beauty coupled with the level of understanding she had made her a tiny celebrity inside the magic academy. Plus, she had provoked the pursuit of many men, but she had coldly rejected them all, so everyone wished to know who her boyfriend was.

“Is that guy Mii’s boyfriend? He doesn’t even look good.”

“Yeah, and he’s not talented either – people from Garden College say he’s in the lowest class.”

“How can he be with Mii, it doesn’t make sense! I, handsome, romantic, and better than that guy was rejected in an instant!”

“Well, there are rumors that they grew up near each other.”

“I don’t believe she really feels that way, she’s bound to change; after all, no girl likes anyone that’s weak.”

The scathing remarks made by the other students maliciously reached their ears.

Mii grew more and more worried as Fang continued to walk, frowning and silent.

Thinking that he was quite upset, she tried to comfort him. “Fang, these guys are full of nonsense, don’t listen to them.”

“Oh, what?”

Just now, he wasn’t paying attention. Instead, he was wondering deeply about the possible relationship between William’s family and Valeria’s. There was certainly a connection, but what could it be?

Hearing Mii explain, Fang rapidly understood what was going on, and smiling, replied. “Mii, I thought it was something important. It’s not a big deal, I hadn’t paid attention to these guys.”

Ever since he had learned and practiced the endless method, he had defeated Vincent, Garret, and Ray with his strength. No doubt remained, and he was confident of his strength, so naturally, he ignored the gossip about whether he was worthy of Mii or not.

Fang turned his attention back to the matter of William.

Unlike the others he had faced, this opponent was far stronger than anyone he fought. With William’s energy containing the properties of metal, he felt that if the competition was today, he wouldn’t be able to beat him.

Upon returning to Valeria’s house, they headed towards the kitchen. On the weekend visits they made, Valeria would always cook for them before embarking on enhancing Fang’s energy. He thought that, even with a clear motive in mind, she cared for him; this house had become a warm home for Fang before he knew it.

Mii went to sort out the cutlery and set the table while Fang came to lady wearing an apron. “Valeria, can I ask you something?”

Valeria looked up and wiped her face with a cool towel. “Sure, go ahead.”

“Do you know someone called William? He’s in the same year as me, but in class two.”

She stopped moving, and her face fell. “What happened?”